Thursday, 27 July 2017

I’m writing this on
Thursday 20th July, not long after hearing the heart-breaking news that
Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington has taken his own life.

Obviously, there’s been
an outpouring of grief online – but that’s not all.

People are asking for
change.

People want the stigma
around mental illness to end.

So let’s talk about it.
Let’s get the conversation going. The more we talk about it, the less ‘taboo’
it’ll feel.

And this is so
important.

We can’t keep living in
a world where suffering is met with judgement. We can’t keep living in a world
where people feel that they have to keep their problems hidden. We need to live
in a world where people feel comfortable enough to open up about their mental
health. Where we encourage these conversations, instead of shutting them down.
Where we actively try to fight the stigma. Where we show that we’re there for
anyone who is suffering. Because this
plays such a huge part in people’s mental well-being.

Let’s not be part of the
problem – let’s work to minimise it. Let's Talk About Mental Health:

► Post
about it. Tweet about it. Blog about it. Whether you’re suffering or not, your
contribution to the conversation is so valuable.

►
Share. Retweet. Reblog. Spread the word. You never know who it might help.

►
Let people know that you’re there to talk to, free of judgement

► Share your own stories. (You never know – this could encourage others
to do the same.)

►
Reach out for help if you’re struggling. Whether that’s to a loved one or a
professional, it’s so important you don’t keep your problems to yourself.

►
Find a way to open up that suits you; whether that’s through text or Facebook
message, over coffee, or even through a letter